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Roger Barnes believes that small boats are the perfect way to access remote, beautiful places.

The Brit, who was featured in the 01/2024 issue of "Yacht Classic" magazine, among others, has been sailing for years with a minimum of equipment in an open dinghy, even in such challenging waters as Brittany. His aim is to integrate sailing into everyday life without making a fuss about it, because

"one of the surest routes to satisfaction in life is a small boat, a favourable wind and a new coast to explore".

The book, which is now available in a second, revised edition, has long been regarded as the standard work on cruising in a simple dinghy. The information and advice are interwoven with wonderfully vivid stories about the author's adventures on the water. They range from idyllic weeks on remote rivers and along the coast to hair-raising journeys to remote islands.

For this new edition, an account of the author's first capsize, new material on electronics and clothing, and more information on boat designs have been added.

Topics covered in the guide are:

  • the search for a good boat
  • equipment for day trips
  • boat technique under engine and rudder
  • Mooring and anchoring
  • Preparing for open water
  • navigation on open seas
  • maintaining a dinghy
  • comfort and safety

Here you will learn that dinghy sailing is a wonderful way to experience nature and new coastlines at close quarters and at low cost. Sailing where bigger boats can't go and sleeping under canvas on board or ashore - it's boating stripped down to the essentials, and all the better for it.

272 pages, with inspiring colour photos and helpful illustrations throughout, 17x24 cm, paperback, Adlard Coles Nautical London. In English.

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